ESPN's Ben Solak recently shook the table a bit by predicting that the Detroit Lions would deal Sam LaPorta by the start of the season.
His logic is sound - LaPorta is going to cost the Lions a lot to keep on with a future extension, and they still need to bang out a deal with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. With other deals set to hit their cap in the coming years, he could be the perfect sell-high candidate for them at a position of not-that-great-of-need.
If this did go down, Detroit (assuming they aren't getting anyone else worth fielding at TE1) might need to lean on their remaining tight end depth to compete for a starting job. This opens the door for UDFA Miles Kitselman to break on to the scene.
Lions UDFA could make a depth chart splash if latest trade prediction came true
Kitselman finished up his career at Tennessee with just 253 receiving yards on 26 receptions, and was seen as more of a Day 3 prospect headed into the NFL draft. The tight end joined Tyre West on the Lions, who is also coming from the Volunteers.
NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein had this to say about Kitselman headed into the draft:
"Kitselman has good size and will play as a connected tight end on the next level. He needs to play with better hand placement and pad level, but he’s willing to put in work in-line or as a move blocker. He has above-average play speed in space and showed an ability to run a variety of routes. He has enough speed to stress man coverage into the second level. His separation underneath is average, though. Drops, double-catches and issues securing contested throws were evident in 2025. Kitselman has Day 3 draft value and could find work as a TE3/4"
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And, as noted by All For Tennessee site expert Connor Linsner, Kitselman is a sneaky-great fit for the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell's tough-nosed system:
"If there’s one thing Dan Campbell loves, it’s tough football players, and that’s exactly what he’s getting in Miles Kitselman. While Kitselman may not be the most athletically gifted player, he is a reliable route runner and willing blocker in the run game. This is a Dan Campbell guy, and while he may never be an NFL star, he has the skill set to help a team immensely at the next level."
Detroit needs reliable blocking and scrimmage play from their tight end room, especially since they've got a wealth of receiving options outside of TE. LaPorta has not always been the strongest blocker, which could make him expendable for the sake of saving money in the future for a Gibbs, or Brian Branch, extension.
Kitselman could make that potential loss feel a lot less painful if he can at minimum be a great blocker for Detroit. With the team looking to revitalize the run game, this is a critical skillset that the Lions will need to rely on this season.
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